Original subtitles

Tea house, an immortal work

was left to us by Lao she.

One doesn't find such a large teahouse anymore.

But a few decades ago, tea houses seat everywhere in old Peking.

A tea house is a small community.

Mr. Lao she, an artist of Chinese people,

through a tea house's rise and fall

presented to us the old time's lives

in 1896, qing dynasty was in decline

and imperialist forces were permeating the dynasty day by day.

The reformers, with kang youwei, liang qichao and tan sitong as its representatives,

were crushed to fail.

It is just such a tea house we are about to see.

Welcome.

Sha Yang is playing bamboo clappers

at the same time, coming to a tea house,

this tea house

is called yutai, and it does a brisk business.

It has many seats here

bustling, filled with the old and young,

some tea customers are talking and some are singing,

they dress differently from each other.

Some customers are holding birdcages with precious birds.

And some are playing with crickets and grasshoppers.

On the table, many snacks, food and drinks are served.

All being envied by those with no money out the window.

Welcome to our courtyard.

If you love plying chess, you can just enjoy it here

if you lose it, then you lose one dish of fried meatballs covering with salt and pepper.

Manager wang makes a lot of money by running the tea house,

treasures are coming endlessly,

money are waiting for wang to count and mouth are waiting for me to feed

shulaibao, a kind of rap beggar on streets, like me is a poor ghost.

Thank you so much.

Master, you are so brave to say so.

Nothing to be concerned. I have to speak out when it is necessary.

Governer of the count is no big deal,

he was hanged on the tree

and being whipped to death

I can't believe this is happening.

Where?

Jiangxi province of east China.

Is it true? Who dares to bully the count governer

who dares?

Foreigners.

Are here any laws in oing dynasty?

Master

I also heard...

Masters, no political discussions please

Brother Chang, look at my orioles.

Yours looks much better than theirs.

Good morning. Have some tea.

Chang si ye.

Good morning, Chang si ye

- morning. - Morning.

- Early morning? - Yes.

A cup of black tea. Let's check the outside.

Song er ye, you come out so early?

Please give it to me.

Please have a seat.

- Ok. - Have a seat.

Please sit.

You two have brought your own tea leaves?

Take a good look at my tea leaves.

Let's have a look.

Mr. Tang

why not take a walk somewhere else!

Manager wang, boost up poor old tang "the oracle" a bit!

How about this?

Offer me a cup of tea and I will tell your fortune!

With palm-readin thrown in, it won't cost you a copper!

Now it's the 24th year of emperor guang xu's reign, the year of the dog,

and your honourable age...

Enough! Spare me the sales talk!

I will give you a cup of tea for free

it is very kind of you.

Listen!

If you do not stop smoking opium,

you will never have any luck!

There, you see, I'm a better fortune teller than you!

De ye, they are all waiting you at the courtyard.

Bro,

go inside.

Please go to our courtyard.

Hello, de ye.

Welcome to our inner courtyard.

Trouble again?

Don't worry.

They won't come to blows!

If it was serious,

they would have gone out of the city.

Why come to the tea house?

Who are you gossiping about?

Who, me?

Huh! Who do you think I am asking?

I've paid for my tea.

Do I have to bow to anyone too?

Excuse me, sir.

You serve in the imperial wrestlers, don't you?

Come, sit down and drink a cup.

We are all men of the world.

Where I serve ain't none of your bloody business!

Bah! If you want to throw your weight around try the foreigners!

They're tough alright!

When the British and the French armies razed the old summer palace,

and you're on the public payroll.

I didn't see you lift a finger to stop them!

How dare you?

- Leave the foreigners out of this! - Sir.

I'll teach you a lesson!

- What do you think you're doing? - So what?

Perhaps I don't touch the foreigners, but I'll give you one of me touches.

How dare you.

Dezi,

you're quite an important person, aren't you?

Oh, it's you, ma wu ye!

Pardon, sir, I've never seen you sitting there.

I am here greeting you.

Settle your disputes in a reasonable way.

Must you always resort to fisticuffs?

Yes, sir.

- Li San. - Yes.

The bill for ma wu ye's tea

is on me.

Ok.

Wu ye, please continue enjoying your tea.

I'll go direct to the inner courtyard.

Yes.

Huh!

Please, de ye.

All are here.

Sir, you're a sensible gentleman.

Please tell us who you think was right?

- Such people... - Sorry.

I am busy.

Goodbye!

Ma wu ye,

thank you for your graciousness.

How odd! Queer character, isn't he?

Chang si ye

don't you know that was ma wu ye!

Ma wu ye?

No wonder you offended him!

What? Offended him?

This is my lucky day to go out today!

There is no need to say so.

Never mind.

Just then you said

something about foreigners.

Well, he lives off the foreigners.

Follows their religion and speaks their language.

If he wants he can go strait to the mayor of Peking on business.

That's why even the authorities handle him with care.

Pshaw!

I've no time for people who serve foreign masters.

Si ye, be careful what you say!

You two gentlemen are early!

Please sit there.

You... come inside.

80 early to drink tea.

Good morning.

You two gentlemen are early!

You also comes early.

Please try some of my snuff box.

I just got it.

The genuine thing from england.

80 fine and pure.

- I already have. - Let me try some.

Even our snuff has to come from abroad.

How much silver must flow out of the country every year!

Our great oing empire has mountains of silver and gold.

It'll never run out.

True.

Please be seated, I've some business to attend to.

Make a bow, too.

You... come, come.

Sit down.

How do you think?

Will ten taels of silver do?

Be quick! I'm a busy man. I haven't got all day to wait on you!

Is a young lady,

only worth ten taels?

If you sell the girl,

you may earn one or two extra pieces of eight.

But it seems that you are not willing

she is my real daughter!

- Would could I - but you cannot raise the real daughter yourself.

Who is to blame for that?

Is it not because the countryside

cannot support cultivating sufficient crops to survive?

Stop. That is a problem for you folks from the countryside,

and it is beyond my control.

I will trust you,

help relieve your suffering,

and give your daughter a place to live where she can have enough to eat.

Isn't that a good deal?

Who will she be given to in the end?

If I say,

you will certainly be satisfied and grateful.

He is a high ranking official in the imperial palace.

Who in the imperial palace would want a girl from the countryside?

Well, won't your daughter's life be better?

Who?

Eunuch pang, working for the palace.

Have you heard of eunuch pang?

He acts as a valet for the empress dowager, is very popular.

At his home,

even bottles of vinegar are made out of agate.

If I gave my girl to the palace eunuch as a wife,

who could I be worthy of her?

No matter how you sell your daughter, it would be a terrible shame.

You are not thinking stright!

Just think,

wherever the young lady went she would eat fine delicacies

and dress in silk and satin.

How would that make things worse?

Since ancient times there has been...

Nod rather than shake head.

Hurry up.

Is he really going to give ten taels of silver?

Would you be able to find ten taels anywhere in your village?

In the countryside you can exchange 2.5 kilograms of flour for a child!

You know this clearly.

Where will you go? Come back.

I will have to discuss this with my daughter.

Let me be frankly.

If it wasn't me, you wouldn't have this chance.

Don't blame me if you miss the opportunity.

I see

80 hard to do things with rural folk.

Never in a rush.

How could you do that in the countryside?

By selling their sons and daughters!

Well, you could say

that even a dog should be born in Peking city.

Liu ye

you are truly ruthless

to entice him into this.

Well, Chang si ye.

If I didn't have the heart,

then the would not be able to find a buyer.

Are my words reasonable?

Well, song er ye.

Have a look at this!

That is a very pretty watch.

Listen, ticking away merrily.

How much does it cost?

Do you like it? It's yours!

One word and five taels of silver.

I don't want it anymore.

Just take it.

When you get bored, just return it.

I will refund you the money.

The thing is genuine and passed down through the generations.

I am just getting the taste of this.

How much foreign stuff are each of us carrying?

Well

Lao liu.

Look at what you have on your person: Foreign snuff, a foreign watch,

foreign satin trousers, a foreign coat...

Foreign things are really beautiful.

If I wear home made clothes it is like I am thinking like a peasant.

Who would pay any attention to me?

Huh!

Song er ye, just keep that watch

and then give me the money later.

Ok.

Brothers,

brothers,

all of you, attentions please.

Paying the respect to you all.

We are all brothers, and don't disrupt our friendship.

Yes, yes

huang ye

they are not the person you looking for.

They are in the courtyard at the back.

I will go inside

huang ye

yep, song er ye

forgive my poor sight for I am not able to see clearly.

- Xiao wang. - Here.

- Prepare some cured meat noodles. - Yes

nobody is going to argue with huang pangzi.

It's true.

- Huang ye. - I am here.

We have already met two sides.

Just waiting for you.

Who is there?

Er dezi

de ye

Let's see who is already here.

Please go inside.

Let's go back home.

Would you please walk

ok.

San er.

Yes?

What on earth are they bring knifes and arms?

Things are

a pigeon from the zhang residence flew over to the li residence

and the li household does not want to return it.

Fine, we can talk later.

A person is worth less than a pigeon.

Manager

yes, qin er ye. You come so early.

Oh dear! Oin er ye.

How could you think of idly wasting your time at this tea house?

And not even bring any attendant?

Just go around and have a look.

Let's see if this young man

can do business or not!

I will learn on the job.

Make a living.

My father died at an early time. I just have to do this now.

Luckhy,

everyone taking care of the host is an old friend of my father's.

If I am inconsiderate at any time please forgive me,

ignore it, and let it pass.

Ok

On the street you have to work for a living

what really matters are relations with people.

For everything,

I act according to the way that my father taught me:

Speak kindly, show others respect,

be positive towards everyone, and you will be less likely to meet with calamity.

Er ye.

Please sit down

and I will make you a cup of small leaf tea.

I won't sit down and won't drink.

Please sit down.

With you here with me my face is radiant.

Well, fine.

- San. - Yes

a cup of our choicest tea.

However, don't flatter me.

I am telling the truth.

Er ye, is everything fine at your home?

Are all your affairs in satisfactory order?

Not that good, actually.

What are you concerned about?

You have so much business

that your index finger is fatter than my waist.

Good heavens!

This old fellow has a great appearance,

truly plump with a really big circumference.

Mr. Tang, have you had enough tea to drink?

Just go.

Go quickly.

Just go outside.

- Xiao wang. - Yes.

Is the rent

going to increase here?

At the beginning, your father give me little rent

it is not even enough for me to drink tea.

Er ye,

you are exactly right!

But this small issue is to trivial to require your attention.

Delegate it to someone else and I will work with them on the rental amount.

I promise that I will comply with your request.

You devious young man. You are even more slippery than your father.

You just wait.

Sooner or later I will take the room back.

Don't threaten me.

I know that you feel sorry for me

and definitely would not send me out

onto the street with a big load of hot tea to sell.

You just wait and see!

Mom, I am hungry. I am hungry.

- Xiao wang. - Yes

get them out!

You can't sit down here.

Mom.

Who can show his mercy?

Buy this child,

two taels of silver.

The price is just for buying a little cat or dog.

- Li San. - Yes.

Give them two bowls of cured meat noodles

and take them outside.

Yes.

- Thanks you. - Go outside.

Madame,

hold the bowls.

Yes.

- Girl - hurry up...

Sure.

Just go outside.

Dear si ye,

you are such a meritorious and charitable person,

giving them noodles to eat.

But I should remind you

that this kind of things happen a lot

too many that beyond our limits.

Er ye, do you think so?

- Brother er... - Yes.

I think

that the great oing empire is done for.

Over or not,

it has nothing to do with giving noodles to poor folk.

- Xiao wang. - Yes.

To tell you the truth, I really want to take back this house.

Don't handle this business like that, er ye.

Not only do I want to take back the building

but I want to sell the land in the countryside

sell them all.

Why is that?

To draw the capital together

to start a factory.

Start a factory?

Of course

a big factory!

That is the only way to save poor people,

the only way to resist outside capital, and the only way to save our country.

Meaningless to tell you the truth,

you can not get me.

Er ye.

You plan to sell all your property your property

only for helping others,

and not for yourself?

You don't understand.

That is the only way to make the country strong and prosperous.

Ok, I should go.

- Xiao wang - yes

I have seen with my own eyes

that your business is not bad.

All thanks to you.

You do not need to play games anymore.

And will not raise the rent on purpose.

That is impossible.

Beat it. Beat it.

Go go go...

Hurry up, go away.

Mom.

Go go go...

Your excellency pang. May heaven bestow fortune on you.

No need to do so.

Master pang!

Oh! Qin er ye!

Has your mind settled down these last two days?

Yes, definitely.

Everything is at peace now

that an imperial edict for tan sitong tobe beheaded has been issued.

Really?

Let me tell you,

whoever dares overturn the rules of the ancestors

will loose their head.

That is for sure.

You are clever, er ye.

Otherwise, how could you become so rich?

Not worth mentioning.

My small amount of property is not enough to mention.

You are too modest.

In the whole of the city of Peking there is nobody that has not heard of qin er ye.

I'm flattered.

You are more awesome than the officials.

I heard that

there are quite a few rich men that are talking about reform.

Don't speak like that.

I put the inspiration that I get in your presence from the authority

that you carry to good use.

Spoken well!

Let's each do what we do best and show everybody our abilities.

Goodbye.

Change heaven to pay you my respects!

You flatter me.

For a rich young man like that to dare to verbal contest with me.

Must mean that this year is really changing.

Your excellency! May heaven bestow fortune on you.

Where is "pocky" liu?

My master!

I have been waiting for you for ages.

Waiting for me?

Yes.

My master! You look amazing.

Your excellency! May heaven bestow fortune on you.

Xiao shuan, you are here, too.

Yes.

Any matters?

Yes.

We also live a hard life.

It is better to die than to depend on someone else for a living.

If life forces me to make my own living,

in the end I will go to die anyway.

What are you talking about?

A village girl

for two hundred taels?

But village people are very beautiful.

When we bring her into town we will dress her up and train her

in less than three months, you will see

that she behaves properly.

Don't lie to me. Let me see the person first.

Tell you the truth

that I leave no stone unturned

trying to serve your excellency!

Arrest him!

Go after him and stop him!

Go over there!

Mr. Tang, why do you come back?

There is chaos on the streets

I did not know what happens.

What? Let me have a look.

They are still searching for the remants of tan sitong?

Oh, yes.

Who is tan sitong?

Let's go first.

Master pang,

tang "the oracle", rest at ease

no one is going to snatch you

for you are such an ugly person.

Your excellency, can I have a few packets of cigarettes.

I will be honored.

Go away. Don't gain extra advantages.

Yes.

Si ye, it is not early.

We should go and take a walk.

Ok, let's go.

- Li San. - Coming.

Wait!

What's up?

A moment ago you said, "the great qing empire is done for"?

I love the empire. I hope it isn't done for.

Really?

You, come

did you hear that? Did he say that?

We come here every day to drink tea

as manager wang knows, and we are both law-abiding men.

I asked whether you heard that or not?

Well if there is something to discuss,

please sit down.

Hey

if you don't speak and now you are going with him too.

He said, "this is the end of the great qing empire."

You are in collusion with tan sitong.

What did you say?

I heard. He said...

He said...

Go with us

to where

let's discuss this clearly.

Are you refusing to be arrested?

Let me tell you, I am a manchurian.

Manchurian?

Treason is a first class crime for a manchurian.

Lock him up.

There is no need to lock me up. I cannot run away.

To make sure that you cannot run away. Let's go.

You

come with us too

go into the main hall, tell them the truth, and this has nothing to do with you.

Come. Let's go.

Li San, take care of my bird for me.

Ok.

A day with scattered cloud and fog, so I did not come here for nothing.

Master huang.

Who?

It's me. Song er.

Song er ye. What's the matter.

Please speak a few kind words on my behalf. Sure.

Just leave it to me.

Who?

Yo! Song er ye and master wu, are you two handling a case?

Please. Please.

Master huang, please speak a few kind words on my behalf.

I take care of things that the official courts cannot take care of.

I don't get involved in things that the official courts do handle.

Isn't that right?

Let's go.

Wear this. Let's go

Manager wang. Please take care of our bird cage.

I will drop it off at your house.

Let's go.

Oh, master pang, may heaven bestow fortune on you...

I hear that you are going to have a family.

I I'll congratulate you by the way.

You may fire.

And just wait to enjoy some wine

yes. It's my honor.

You do me a great honor. You do me a great honor.

The girl is coming.

Where?

Where is your daughter?

Have said yes.

Good job.

Come. Come inside.

Come.

Come quickly.

This way. Come.

Come and see his excellency pang.

Good, bring me the four treasures of the study.

Lao liu, come here.

Father.

Your father is not a person, he is an animal.

- My girl, just accept your fate. - Father.

Do good works.

Come.come.

Meet the excellency,

to kowtow to his excellency,

live happily with the excellency.

Kowtow quickly.

What happened to you?

What happened?

Water water.

What happened?

Mazi.

Yes.

I want a live one,

not a dead one.

Shunzh

She is live again.

Check.

You will lose the game.

Nice.

Corrupt qing dynasty

is surrounded by the fire of revolutionary party.

As expected,

it will soon be done.

People predict the great qing will be ended.

Then the qing empire has been done for several years.

Now it comes to the republic in China.

The law of cutting off people's ponytail can not save the corrupt oing.

Warlords, wars are everywhere,

people of all classes are fighting against each other.

Zhao fights with oian. Sun fights with li,

all fights in chaos with no reasons.

Some warlords buy the guns to support the fight,

sending foreigners loads of money.

To sell arm,

the warlords invade yellow river and yangtze river.

The common people are suffering,

grains and stocks will be robbed once soldiers come.

Manager wang renovated his tea house with the era

now the tea house is much like a school,

at the backyard lives some students

who talk more civilized and nice.

The new tea house is opening tomorrow and I congratulate him,

I feel awesome about sing the new allegretto poem.

Congratulations, manager wang.

The old yutai tea house was improved a lot

it becomes prosperous day by day.

I will open the new tea house tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow is good and suspicious

golds and silvers will come too.

You open your shop, while he open the fire

tomorrow must be bustling.

Landlady, please have a look at the banner,

is it higher or lower?

A little higher.

Higher?

It it ok now?

Yes, San ye.

Fine.

Our tea house has already been renovated,

your ponytail should be cut off too.

Let's improve it! Let's improve it!

The more we improve the more cool

as cool as ice

I will keep my ponytail,

just in case the emperor comes back.

Don't be obstinate, San ye.

The country has been the republic and we still do not follow?

However, you insist on wearing a ponytail...

And it is not pleasing to the eye.

What? You don't feel that it is pleasing to the eye

I am not at ease too

yo! So you are not happy? Why?

Why?

A teahouse in the front and a guest house in the back

with only me to operate it.

That is too much for me.

I only sleep four or five hours everyday.

I am not an iron man and can't do it.

In these days and times nobody can be comfortable.

- San ye. - Yes

from the time of old manager wang's ancestors, you have helped us

as a long time partner.

Along time partner? In the past twenty years,

have they even given me a pay raise?

If everything can be improved

then why can't my salary be improved?

Yo! What kind of talk is this?

If our business was getting better and better then,

of course, I would be able to give you a pay raise.

Fine.

Manager, you have a sharp mouth.

Tomorrow we open for business and hope for good luck.

Right now let's not quarrel but make do as best we can.

Ah! I...

Make do as best we can?

What's the matter?

All right!

Excuse me?

My manager

let's make it clear.

If you don't improve my salary I won't do it anymore.

Li San.

Mr. Cui is calling you. Go to help him.

Do you have time enough on your hands to worry about our affairs?

Coming.

Would you please clean the mess here?

Shuanzi's mother,

San ye is kind of old,

you can...

He complained for ages.

I couldn't say it straight to him,

but I have to tell you the truth

that we need to hire employee.

If we add emplyee we will need to pay them.

Can we earn enough revenue to do that?

Then”.

Listen,

the mother fucker is firing the Cannon again.

Go on then, make some noise!

Why don't you fire tomorrow instead

and then we will blame you again.

Wise people do not talk nonsense,

blaming Cannon fire on me.

Don't talk blind nonsense. Get to work!

I secretly think

that you are blaming the Cannon fire for your own tiredness.

Hmm. You...

Shuanzi's mother.

Shuanzi's mother.

Don't fear for...

However many rounds of Cannon are fired

they will not kill us.

The city of Peking is a treasure.

Please show some charity to the pitiful.

Go away! Get a move on!

How are you? Manager wang.

Liu ye.

Has been opened yet?

My liu ye,

how is the outside?

Are everything ok?

Yes. The fire is getting stronger.

But the battle did not go well,

which is why we have so many refugees.

True. Have a seat please.

Manager wang.

The order came down from above.

Really?

That you need to provide eighty pounds of flat bread,

packaged in bundles of twelve.

The soldiers from the city are taking rations,

which is the only way that they can go to battle.

You are a sage.

But at the moment we only do meals for the guest houses at back.

We don't sell food

and at present are not even open.

We can't come up with a single pound, let alone eighty pounds.

You have your reasons but I have my orders.

So it's up to you.

Please wait on.

What I am saying is absolutely true. We are not even open for business.

And you know it.

After opening it would still not be easy.

Ok.

Buy a packet of tea leaves to drink.

If you can say a few kind words,

I would be definitely grateful.

Fine, I will speak for you,

but I cannot guarantee anything.

Thanks to you and it will work out.

Shit. Get in.

Let's go and have a check.

Chiefs, I have just been checking this household.

It is not yet open for business.

Fuck off.

Manager wang, show some respect to some old chiefs by giving them some tea money

so that they can go elsewhere to drink.

Dear chiefs,

I am really sorry that we are not open at present.

Otherwise,

even you live here,

you would all be welcome.

Chiefs, please excuse him.

At present, he is not in a position to entertain you.

Fuck off.

Who wants local cash. We want foreign money.

Foreign money!

Dear chiefs,

where would you have us look for foreign cash?

Beat the hell out of him!

Quick! Add some more!

If I have another yuan,

please burn the building.

Damn it.

Stop.

Bro.

Stop it.

Chiefs.

Go fuck yourself.

War, war!

Fighting today, fighting tomorrow,

always fighting,

fighting god damn what?

Manager wang! I've come to congratulate you.

Yo! Mr tang.

Yes.

From now on, I will not give you tea for free.

Well.

Yo. It seems that you have lived comfortably.

Wearing silk clothes.

It is an improvement from before.

I thank these times.

These times are worth your thanking.

That sounds a little unreasonable.

The start of this year is even more chaotic. My business is great right now.

Telling you the truth.

Who lives and who dies all depends on luck.

What better time for fortune telling and face reading.

Am I right?

You could put it like that.

I heard that you have turned the back into guest houses.

Could I rent one?

With your particular indulgence,

sorry?

I'm afraid that you live here...

I already quit smoking opium.

Really?

You really want to make it rich!

I changed to heroin.

Look, hademen cigarettes are long and loose,

each time it will loosen you out,

just like it was heroin.

British tobacco

and Japanese heroin,

these two strong countries waiting on me.

That is not a small bit of luck, is it?

Luck is not small! Not small!

But I have no vacancies.

As soon as there is one I will keep it specially for you.

Bah!

You look down on me,

because you do not think that I am able to pay the rent.

That is not the case at all.

We have all been living together on the street for a long time trying to make a living.

We are all equals.

That is my true feeling.

Your talk is more outrageous than mine!

I am not just playing with words.

My heart is true.

In the last ten or more years,

how many free bowls of tea have you drunk in my shop?

Now that you're better off,

has it ever crossed your mind to pay me back?

But altogether, it won't come to much.

I will pay you back one of these days.

Good.

Hey, manager!

Latest news about the fighting at changxindian. Won't you buy a copy?

Any news about people not fighting?

Maybe. Look for yourself.

Go away! I'm not interested!

Won't make no difference. The fighting will go on just the same.

Come, come.

Sir, you interested?

Not like him. I'm always concerned about affairs of state.

Damn right.

Amazing. Totally renovated.

Excuse, sir. Sir.

You are not paying.

Stop.

Changxindian...

Chnagxindian. That's near here.

San ye. San ye.

Yes.

You'd better go for the food right away.

The city gates are sure to close soon.

Manager wang.

Me. Chang si ye.

Hey.

What are you doing these days?

Selling vegetables. Earning my own living.

I heard you are opening tomorrow.

I get theses two chickens and some pickled turnips on the early morning

and bring them to you directly.

Si ye.

- I didn't see how I was going to manage. - Just accept them.

Very nice.

You've done it well.

All the large tea house have closed down.

You were the only one sharp enough to make the most of the changes and reforms.

But if the country carries on in this mess, it will all be wasted.

Well.

The likes of me

won't be able to afford a seat in such a posh tea house.

You said that.

Manager wang.

Song er ye.

You are opening tomorrow?

I've come to offer my congratulations.

Er ye.

My old friend.

- Si ye. - Er ye.

How I've missed you.

My brother er, how are you?

Er ye.

Why don't you both sit down?

Oh, manager wang. How have you been?

Very well.

How's the missus?

Vey well.

How are your boys?

As you wish

how's business?

Very well.

Nice. Thank you.

Er ye, er ye

no places for you to hang the birdcage.

Brother er, come here.

Have a seat.

Try this? Ok.

I'll serve you two a pot of choicest tea.

- Si ye. - Yes.

How is life treated you?

Selling vegetables.

Well.

Since the bannerman's subsidy was abolished, I earn my own living.

Good for you.

Brother er, how about you?

Me? Just hearing you ask that bring tears to my eyes.

What happened?

Look at my clothes.

They are disgrace.

But you read and write, and do accounts!

You can't find a job?

Who wants to starve?

Then”.

Yet who wants a bannerman!

If the clothes of bannerman was took off,

and let me do some manual works.

I can't bend over to do it.

Looking back, the great oing empire wasn't so good,

but now, in the republic, I'm starving.

Exactly. Brother er.

Have a drink of the tea.

Let's try it.

Let's have it.

Si ye.

I don't know what you spent.

Hope that's enough.

Never mind.

- Er ye. - Yes?

Still mad on orioles?

Of course it is an oriole.

I may starve, but I won't allow my bird to.

Let's take a look.

Take a look.

Look carefully.

Such a handsome bird.

Whenever I look at him, I don't want to die.

Song er ye, you mustn't talk of dying.

One of these days your luck will change.

Thanks for your words.

Come brother, let's go and have a drink.

Drown our sorrows in wine.

Manager wang, I won't invite you.

Not enough money.

I've got work to do, anyway. Forgive me for not keeping you company.

Le's go.

Oh, it's you, gentleman.

You two gentleman.

What's the matter with you?

We've been a republic for several years now. No need to bend the knee.

Don't you know how to bow in the new style.

Seeing your grey gowns

makes me feel it's still the oing dynasty.

I can't help bending my knee!

Song er ye, your bannerman's subsidy used to be a sure source of income. Well, that's all gone now.

But our grey gowns proved a better bet, eh?

It's Chang si ye, if I'm not mistaken.

Yes, you have a good memory.

In 1898 I made the remark here, the great oing empire is done for!

I was arrested by you two

and imprisoned for more than a year!

Your memory's not bad either.

Doing all right these days?

Yes, thank you.

After I got out of prison, I joined yihetuan.

And fought a few battles against the foreign armies.

Good.

But that didn't help. The great qing empire

was done for after all!

It deserved it!

I earn my own living and I'm stronger than ever.

If foreigners come here again with their armies,

I'm ready to fight them.

How's life treating you two gentlemen?

Oh, muddling along!

When there was an emperor, we served him.

Yes.

When there was president yuan shikai,

we served him.

Now,

song enzi,

how should I put it?

Now we serve anyone who puts rice in our bowls.

Even foreigners?

Chang si ye, let's get going!

Understand this, Chang si ye. Everyone we serve is backed by some foreign power.

How can anyone make war without foreign arms and guns?

You're so right!

Chang si ye, let's go.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

Go quickly.

I'm sure you'll soon be rewarded and promoted!

Bloody fool!

Chang si ye has always been.

Stubborn! Take no notice of him.

Have a cup, it's fresh.

Sure.

Manager wang,

what sort of people do you have as lodgers?

Mostly university students,

and a couple of old acquaintances

I've got a register.

Their names are always promptly reported to the local police-station.

So?

Shall I fetch it for you?

Manager wang,

we don't look at books. We look at people!

No need for that.

I can vouch for them all.

Why are you so partial to students?

They're not generally quiet characters.

At this period,

officials

one day and out of office the next.

It's the same with tradesmen.

In business today and broke tomorrow.

Can't rely on anyone!

Only students have money

to pay the rent each month,

because you need money to get into university in the first place.

That's how I figure it. What do you think?

Got it all worked out!

You're quite right.

Nowadays

even we aren't always paid on time.

So that's why we must make arrests everyday,

to get our bonus.

Come on,

let's take a look back there!

Yes, let's go!

Gentlemen, gentlemen!

Don't trouble yourselves.

But if?

We don't take a look, we can't nab anyone.

How will we get our bonus?

Well,

since the manager's not keen to let us have a look,

he must have thought of another way.

Yes, you'll tell the truth.

Ought to try to help him keep up a front.

- Right, manager wang? - Damn right.

I've an idea.

Let's do it on a monthly basis.

On the first of every month, according to the new solar calendar

you'll hand in a...

A token of friendship!

Right.

You'll hand in a token of friendship.

That'll save no end of trouble for both sides.

How do you think?

How do you think?

Then”.

How much is this token of friendship worth?

As old friends, we'll leave that to you.

You're a bright fellow.

I'm sure you wouldn't want this token of friendship to seem unfriendly, would you?

Oh, gentlemen!

Yes.

Are the city gates going to be closed again today?

Of course.

Arrest him and don't let him run away.

- Arrest him and don't let him run away. - San ye, better stay at home.

The army's seizing people on the streets.

Better stay.

So what? I'm here.

Going anywhere is just a coolie.

What's wrong with you.

Don't go out!

They nearly grabbed me!

Almost scared me to death!

San ye,

don't go out!

Ok.

Almost scared me to death!

So what! You'll only buy and sell a few more girls.

Well, some wish to sell and some wish to buy.

All I do is to lend a helping hand! Don't blame me!

"Pocky" liu, bah!

Yes

I'm warning you

since the time of the empire we've been dealing with revolutionaries.

Yes, yes.

We don't like dirtying our hands with slave-traders and pimps like you!

But now if we see you doing pimp things.

If we catch you at it,

we won't turn a blind eye any more.

I promise.

When the likes of you get pulled in,

you'll get chained to the piss-pot!

Gentlemen, no need to put it like that!

These days I'm down-and-out like every one else.

When you're chained to that piss-pot,

you'll change your tune.

Gentlemen, gentlemen!

Today, I've nothing to offer you.

But one of these days, I promise you something worthwhile.

You must be doing a deal of some sort.

No such things.

Or you wouldn't poke your nose out on a day like this.

No! I'm not!

There's never a word of truth from you.

I don't have the ball.

I will tell you

lying to us

- won't do you any good! - Yes.

Let's go.

We'll take a walk around.

Let's go.

Gentleman.

Welcome next time.

Manager wang,

the first of next month, according to the new solar calendar.

Don't forget!

Believe me.

I may forget my own name,

but never your business!

That's settled.

Liu ye,

yes.

Had enough tea, I hope?

Go outside.

Now take yourself off somewhere else!

It is empty here.

Carry on. Don't mind me!

I'm waiting here for a couple of friends.

I'd better make it clear,

once and for all!

Conduct your line of business elsewhere!

We've reformed! We're civilized now!

Have you been starved?

Don't play jokes.

Wait outside.

The customer of apartment 7 is drunk again.

No more complaining.

Is this the place?

It's the place all right! But it looks so different.

This...

Do you need any favor?

Excuse me?

Alright.

Da li. This is it.

You sure, ma?

No mistake! With him here, I'm quite sure.

Who are you looking for?

"Pocky" liu, recognize me?

Sorry, I really can not recognize you.

You...

What are you doing?

Why pick on me, missus, for no reason at all!

No reason? Take a good look at me!

Who does know you, missus.

Couldn't you make a decent living any other way?

Do you have to follow your filthy trade? Pah!

Well.

Tea house manager.

Madam! Don't get so upset! Calm down!

- Are you? - Are you the manager?

Yes, I am.

Do you remember,

almost twenty years ago, there was a eunuch who bought a wife?

Ah, so you're eunuch pang's...

And it was all his doing!

Today I'm going to make him pay for it!

What a decent man will fight a woman!

I'll get someone to make you see sense.

Please sit down, mom.

Take your time.

Where's the eunuch?

Dead!

Starved to death by his nephews!

When he died, they threw us out,

without so much as a blanket!

And this is...?

- My son. - Your...?

Also bought. As the eunuch's son.

I get it.

That old rotter. He used to pinch you, bite you

and jab me with his opium skewe

there were too many of them and we were too soft.

Manager.

Since I was sold here,

it seems a bit of luck that we've met again.

You are right.

Can you find me a job of some kind?

It's not for myself,

but the boy with no one mustn't starve.

So...

What can you do?

Washing, sewing, mending, cooking, things like that.

I come from the countryside. I don't mind hardwork.

How much would you want?

I'll be happy with three meals a day, a bed to sleep in

and enough to send da li to school!

All right.

Right,

I'll keep an eye open for you.

Fact is, I've never forgotten

what happened here all these years ago.

Always left a bad taste in my mouth!

But where can we go now?

How about going back to the countryside

and looking up your old father?

Him?

I haven't a clue if he's alive or dead.

But a job right away won't be all that easy to find!

I'll keep her!

She's good at housework and not asking too much.

Don't I run half the teahouse?

You?

You want to work me and li San ye to death?

Manager.

Give me a chance.

Whenever you feel I'm not up to it, just say the word and I'll go.

I don't mean

come with me, sister.

Since I was sold here,

this is like my parents home.

- Come, da li. Meet your aunt. - Aunt.

Da shuan zi

er shuan zi

come here.

How can I thank you?

Thank you so much.

Call her aunt.

- Aunt. - Yes.

How old is da li?

- Really thanks for your help. - Never mind.

The eunuch's gone

but I get landed with his family!

The same as you.

Welcome Mr. Cui.

Don't go outside. It is totally a mess.

Today is training soldiers' day. I have to go.

Mr. Cui.

Yesterday

when qin er ye sent you an invitation,

why didn't you go.

You're a learned man,

know all about heaven and earth.

Also have been a member of parliament.

Yet you shut yourself up here chanting Buddhist scriptures!

Why not do something more useful?

A good man like you should go into politics!

You make me feel ashamed!

Yes, I was a member of parliament, a grievous sin.

What has the revolution accomplished?

We misled ourselves and others!

Well

now I spend my days in meditation and repentance.

But look at qin er ye!

Running a factory and getting ready to open a bank!

With all his factories and banks, what can he do?

But who has he saved?

Himself!

- Sit. - You are right.

You are right...

He's richer than ever.

And all his industry and commerce

will collapse if the foreigners lift just one little finger.

Then he'll never get on his feet again.

For these meaningless things,

I will never do them.

If things go like what you say,

isn't there any hope for us?

Hard to say. Very hard to say.

Now marshal wang wages a war on marshal li.

Yes.

The next day marshal zhao attacks marshal wang.

Yes yes.

Who's behind it all?

Who?

The foreigners.

One day you will understand

all of us are slaves one day!

Then Mr. Cui

why don't you do something?

Save us from being slaves.

As a young man, I thought my ideals could save the world.

I tried to follow them.

Now I've seen through it all.

China's finished!

But we must try to save her!

Save her? That's just wishful thinking!

A corpse can't be brought back to life. Everything dies sooner or later.

Well, I'm off to the hongji temple

if oin er ye should send for me again,

just tell him:

I'm only interested in chanting Buddhist scriptures.

No soldiers are outside. Better get going?

Thank you.

I have to say.

Yes.

Make it snappy.

Unless you want your face slapped!

I told you,

I have to wait for two friends!

You...

I can't think of a good enough name for you!

Manager wang, once in a trade, always in the trade.

You'll always be selling your tea.

I'll always be doing my business!

We will all be slaves if you continue selling people.

Thank god. They are coming.

It is him.

Hi, elder brother lin! Elder brother chen!

Come here.

Sit down.

Let's talk it over.

Ok.

You say it, second brother.

No, you say it, elder brother.

You say it.

As my elder brother, it's better you say it.

What's the difference who speaks?

I will say it.

Ok.

Go ahead.

Please.

Well, it's like this,

we're sworn brothers.

That's right!

Sworn brothers,

so close we'd share the same pair of trousers.

Good.

He's got a few silver dollars.

Silver dollars?

Elder brother lin here also has some.

You two gentlemen,

you two,

how much together?

Tell me.

We're not going to tell you that yet.

If it is possible,

you will know.

With silver dollars everything's possible!

Really?

If I'm lying to you, I'll be damned!

You say it then, second brother.

No, no!

You say it, my elder brother.

No difference for you two to speak...

I will say it.

See here.

There are two of us, right?

Right!

Our friendship's so close, right?

We can share the same pair of trousers, right?

No one would laugh at our friendship, would they?

Friendship is friendship. Who laughs at that?

And

no one makes fun of friendship among three people neither, do they?

This...

Three people?

Yes.

Who?

Say it.

How to say...

Well,

us and a woman!

Oh! Oh! Now I get it!

But this is going to be tricky

really?

I've never done anything like it before.

People usually talk about some nice young couple.

But who's ever heard of a nice young triple?

Tricky, eh?

Very tricky!

Second brother, how do you think?

We're not going to call it off, are we?

Hell, no.

We've been in the army for more than ten years

and can't even end up with half a wife?

Fuck it!

What are you doing?

Manager wang.

I have to say.

You...

Come and we discuss our business there.

This way.

Huh!

Think it over and we will find a way.

We won't call it off.

How many silver dollars do you have?

You.

We shall go.

Just a minute.

What's up?

You'd better be telling me what's up!

Better come quietly!

Where to?

Deserters, right?

With a few silver dollars in your pockets, right?

Trying to hide in Peking.

Good idea. We hide with money in hand.

When the money runs out, we become bandits,

right.

None of your bloody business!

I can lick eight of your sort with one hand!

Take him down.

Take him down.

Wanna rebel.

Pity you sold your gun, right?

Bare hands ain't no match for a gun, right?

I can lick eight of your sort with one finger!

We're all brothers, aren't we?

No need for unpleasantness.

Let's sit down and have a little chat.

That's right. Show us the money.

Just make a decision,

yourhves

or your silver dollars?

What?

Listen to me,

you may not know

that we went through hell to earn this bit of money!

Whoever paid us,

we fought for

you don't know

the number of battles we fought!

But you know very well how they treat deserters!

After all, we're all brothers. Let's talk it over.

That's the way to talk among friends.

Fine.

Now let's get down to business.

Hey! The execution squad's coming!

Run away.

Halt. Hurry up.

Halt. Split the money.

Halt.

Our word of honour

split the silver dollars with us and you'll be safe

we're friends, right?

Let's go.

Hurry up. Give us all.

Damn it.

My brothers.

Fine.

Five, ten, fifteen...

- Give us all. - Twenty, twenty five.

You

- what the fuck. - Don't move.

May I report, sir?

We're interrogating a deserter here.

Yes,

him.

Him.

Well done.

Tie him up!

Yes, sir.

Sir! I'm not! I'm not!

Sir, listen.

I'm not.

Sir

what?

Sir, listen.

I'm not.

Sir, how could you tie me

this sir, you

execution on the spot!

Sir, wronged. Wronged.

Oh, my!

Sir. Sir...

Run away, quickly.

Just go. Go. Go.

That way.

Idiot.

They are executing "pocky" liu.

Jesus.

Come on.

Go inside. Go inside.

Move. Move aside.

Pity.

Just move. Move.

Another more than twenty years goes by.

Manager wang becomes much older.

But yutai teahouse narrowly opens as always.

It comes to the day before the China's war of liberation.

Trees are brown. Leaves are yellow.

People are old to bend their backs.

Speaking of me, I live bitterly.

Manager wang has also been in hard times.

People around all live a bitter lives.

Even though not to die, but starved to be skinny.

Looking forward to the stars and moon coming out.

Looking forward to the victory bringing people light.

Bah!

Us soldiers and kmt secret service agents are running loose in Peking.

They run amuck

and behaves like Japanese soldiers.

Exploiting us with no reasons.

Manager wang has a bunch of grudges.

He lives also like me, half alive and half died.

The tea house is gloomy and shabby.

He has tried everything to change, but no effects.

Ma, make me some not noodle soup for lunch.

It's ages since we've had it.

I know, pet,

but who knows if there'll be any flour in the shops today.

Even if there is some,

we don't know if we can afford it.

What a life!

Hua, go to school now.

Xiao hua.

Wait.

Xi de men has been closed. Chaos on the streets.

What is it, dad?

School door has not been shut.

I want to go.

Shuan mother.

See,

this is the fur vest from your grandma.

I will give it to you.

Xiao hua! You still here?

Granny kang, what is it?

My dear, come.

Let me have another look at you,

how pretty!

But too thin!

With more to eat she'd look even better.

Aunt, have you made up your mind to go?

Yes, I'll go.

Then I won't be a burden to you.

When we first came here,

da li wasn't even as big as xiao hua is now.

Now, he's so strong. He's wonderful!

He was here only a few minutes,

but I really feel years younger.

I haven't a thing in the world,

but when I see him,

I feel I've everything.

Yes, I'll go with him.

With him, hard work or sufferings will be sweet.

Granny, I want to go with you!

Xiao hua, you be a good girl and go to school.

I will come back and see you.

Xiao hua, go to school now.

Xiao hua, wait!

Never tell anybody about your uncle da li.

If you do, we've all had it!

It may also interrupt many important things.

I won't say a word

granny kang,

don't go till I've come back from school.

Walk carefully.

Be careful of those jeeps on your way!

I know.

Aunt, has dad agreed to let you go?

He hasn't decided yet.

What worries me is,

if da li's visit

somehow leaks out

and then I suddenly disappear,

it may mean trouble for you.

Now, aunt, you just go ahead.

You'll have a chance to live if you go away.

Customers are always whispering to each other,

if you want a chance to live, you have to go to the western hills.

Yes.

Well, xiuhua, let's talk it over.

I mustn't think of myself only and let all of you suffer for it.

Dashuan, you'd better think it over too.

Yes.

Manager, I'm here!

Who're you?

Little ding bao.

Little ding bao?

What are doing here?

This girl...

"Pocky" liu Jr. told me to come here.

He says the old manager here

asked him to find a waitress.

What?

Take a good look around, miss.

You think a dump like this needs a waitress?

But the old manager here's

so desperate for money, he's always thinking up some crazy scheme?!

Dashuan,

who taught you to run down your elders behind their backs?

But you see,

who's full of crazy schemes? Take down the shutters!

The teahouse should have opened long ago.

Old manager, you look pretty fit!

Thank you.

If there were some noodles with fried bean sauce around,

I could pack away three huge bowls.

Only there aren't any.

How old are you, miss.

I'm seventeen.

Only seventeen?

Yes.

My mother was a widow, tried to bring me up.

After the victory war,

the government insisted

the house my father left us was traitor's property

and took it away from us.

The shock killed my mother.

So I became a waitress.

Old manager, I haven't a clue

what traitor's property means.

Better watch your tongue, miss.

One wrong word

can make anything traitor's property.

Take the place behind here.

Used to be a warehouse of qin er ye.

Then someone frowned at it.

Said it was traitor's property. It was confiscated

simple as that!

You said it, old manager.

Even I'm traitor's property!

I have to suck up to whoever's the boss.

Hell! I'm only seventeen

but I often wish I was dead!

At least my body would be my own!

This job rots you away slowly.

Dad, come here.

What's the matter?

Just come.

Do you really want to hire a waitress?

I had a chat with "pocky" liu.

I've always been keen on reforming.

And with business so bad, I'm worried

me too!

So we have to come up with new ideas.

Now hiring a waitress?

Can not save our respectable old name of sixty years' standing.

Good old name my foot!

The older you become, the more worthless you are!

You don't believe me? If I were twenty-seven years old,

I'd call myself tiny ding bao or ding baby

but I bet no one would look at me twice.

You listen carefully.

Old manager, look at me.

If two customers come here,

if I'd gone over and said

"hi, you two suckers?!"

They'd have handed over a shiny silver dollar right away.

Bah, sounds great.

Dashuan, you're as stubborn

as a mules.

Do what you like!

Yes, I have thought about.

I'll take a walk.

It's too stuffy in here.

You find it stuffy? I can hardly breathe!

Old man, what makes you breathe hardly?

Is little ding bao here?

Hi, little ding bao, so you're here!

On your orders! How could I refuse?

Come. Old man.

What do you think of this little baby I've found for you?

Looks, age, fashion, experience

she's a real smasher

only snap is I can't afford her.

No problem. She doesn't want any wages.

Right, baby?

No wages?

Leave it all to me, old man.

Me and baby have got a way all worked out.

Haven't we, baby?

Sure, without your crooked ways,

where would you be?

Crooked? You've said it!

Well. I told you

so was my old man. He was nabbed right here!

If you don't believe me, ask manager wang.

Saw it with my own eyes.

See, he was dragged right to the middle of the street,

and with one big whack of the sword, his nob was chopped off.

Right, old manager?

I heard that whack.

So I wasn't just telling you stories,

but my old man didn't have what it takes for his whole life.

He did not have a backer,

so he still didn't get far.

Now it's my turn,

I have to find foreigners as my backer

and I am going to hit the big time.

Here, baby, take a look at my plan.

I've no time.

I think,

I'll take a day off

and come back to work tomorrow.

Ding bao,

ding bao,

I haven't made up my mind yet.

Manager wang, I've made it up for you!

Youwisee,

tomorrow morning, baby will stand at the entrance giving everyone the eye.

Before you know what's happened you'll have two hundred customers on your hands!

See, manager wang, you can't do without me!

Your oing-dynasty methods are way out of date!

That's why as they say, one must live and learn.

Right. And I've a lot to learn!

Now you're talking!

Old manager.

Oh, shit! It's you.

- Tang "the oracle" Jr. - "pocky" liu Jr.

Come, let me give you the once-overd!

Well.

Well. Well.

Well.

You little bastard!

In that western gear

from behind

you look more foreign than a foreigner.

Is it true?

Old manager, I've been studying the stars

and there's irrefutable evidence

that the true son of heaven will come amongst us very soon now.

That's why prodigies like me and "pocky" liu Jr. are here,

of course, as well as

little ding bao, the talk of the town!

Amazing. You are genius.

Ah, yes, and little ding bao have been sent into the world.

Look at us, endowed with wit andbeauty, accomplished in letters

and prowess just right for the times!

And, boy, aren't we going to enjoy it!

Old manager,

turn your face here.

I'll read your features.

Good, good,

a fine forehead!

You're in for a spell of good luck!

That will be enough. Old manager.

Now what about a cup of tea?

Bullshit. Tang "the oracle" Jr.

Well.

Don't call me tang "the oracle" Jr. any more.

My new title is tang the heavenly teacher.

Amazing. Who gave you that?

You'll hear about it in a few days.

All right, heavenly teacher,

but don't forget, your father

had free tea off me all his life!

That's not going to be hereditary, I hope!

Manager wang,

when I have put on my special robes,

you'll regret what you've just said.

You just wait!

Tang Jr, first I want to tell you something important.

I'll treat you to a coffee later with baby here to keep us company.

Fine, just say it. Liu Jr.

I've got a tremendous plan.

I'm all ears.

I'm going to organize a trust.

Excuse me?

Tuo la si

that's an American word, so perhaps you don't understand it.

In Peking dialect it means "it's all yours"

of course, I see it.

It means

you can take care of all the girls.

Right?

That brain of yours really works!

Baby, listen carefully.

You're a part of this too.

Even the old manager here's included.

That's why I'm listening.

I'm going to organize all the Peking

dance-hall girls, prostitutes in the brothels and tarts on the street, Jeep girls and waitresses

together

into a huge trust.

Got all the official backing you need?

Sure!

Director shen will be chairman of the board. I'll be general manager.

Director shen?

Such an excellent idea.

Hm... trust,

yes.

Trust,

that's not classy at all.

How? This is the foreign word and that's fashionable.

I still feel that "something incorporated" sounds better. It's got more taste.

You've got a point there.

But what "incorporated"?

How about "crooked incorporated"?

Look, baby, this is serious! Don't be so smart!

Do your job well

and there's a good chance you'll become the chief instructor of the waitresses.

You will get your salary from the Peking kmt party, just like me.

Hey, how about me?

If you can think up a good name for it, you'll be our adviser!

I won't take national currency bills for my fees.

Ok. Only greenbacks every month!

Sure. I will take a thoughtful think.

If you can think up a good name,

you'll definitely be our adviser.

That's it.

Ding bao, let's go.

"Pocky" liu Jr., wait a minute.

What's up?

What about little ding bao?

Old manager, trust me!

Leave all the matters to me.

The trust will have everything under control.

I'll try it out here first.

- Liu Jr. - Yes.

Didn't you say something about coffee?

See if tang Jr. wanna go or not.

You go ahead. I'm expecting someone here.

Old manager, see you tomorrow.

See you.

Bye, heavenly teacher.

Old manager,

where's the paper?

Wait.

I'll have to look for it.

Take your time.

Perhaps some copies from two years ago are still lying around somewhere.

Oh, stop talking nonsense!

Hey, old manager.

I tell you that

an important customer will come here soon.

Old manager. Yes.

What's the matter. Two gentlemen.

- All are already here. - You must be very busy.

The same as you.

My friends,

please pay in advance.

Exactly, your seats have already been reserved.

- My senior fellow apprentice. - Yes.

I will pay for it.

Ah! Move aside.

Pay in advance!

I'm really ashamed to say it.

What about it, manager?

How about story-telling as an added attraction in the evenings?

I tried. But it was no good.

Only increased the electricity bill, but not the number of customers!

For singing the whole opera,

I don't get enough to buy three maize buns?!

Well

it looks as though we've been beaten by pop songs

and trashy operettas like spinning cotton.

The way I feel about it,

if you or I live or die,

it all doesn't matter,

but it breaks my heart to think that

what's left of our art will die out in a few years!

We've failed our legendary founders.

Ah! My senior fellow apprentice.

It's an old saying that evil will never vanquish good.

But these are evil times,

they are.

And everything good is rotting away at the roots!

Your imperial majesty!

- Is aunt kang around? - Yes.

Hey.

Please help to get her to western hills.

With her as hostage,

the eighth route army, including kang da li will not rebel us.

Genius you are.

This way, please.

Greetings. Old manager.

Serve the tea.

Carrying tea with you?

Old manager. Please invite Mrs. Kang to come here.

I'll get her.

What's all this about?

Momentous affairs of state!

You.

Mrs kang.

- Mrs kang. - I am.

Please come out.

What do you want?

Just look.

Mother-in-law!

- Who are you? - I have promised you before

that I will greet you again.

What are you doing?

What do you want?

You may get up.

Get up.

I've come to take you home.

Please sit down.

I'm the wife of your fourth nephew.

Wife of my fourth nephew?

That's right.

But when you left the pangs,

I hadn't married into the family then.

I've finished with the pangs.

Why look me up?

Your fourth nephew, haishun,

is the high priest of the "tri-emperor"

and a sworn brother of director shen.

Soon he's going to be made emperor! Isn't that fantastic?

Going to be made emperor?

Yes. His imperial dragon robes are all ready.

The coronation will soon take place in the western hills.

The western hills?

Western hills is a great place to live.

Mountains cover with rivers. Many food to eat and clothes to wear.

You can just enjoy your life there.

Old lady, your fourth nephew always misses you.

He said you have been suffered all your life.

Come with us and enjoy the life there.

When you get there,

I promise you the best food and drink,

plus some silver dollars to jingle in your pocket!

What a posh life!

Shall we go? Let me help you walk.

You stay away from me.

Give her time to think it over.

You think it over.

I don't need it.

I'm finished with the pangs for ever!

You carry on being an empress

and I'll carry on being a poor old woman. Let's keep out of each other's hair!

Just now you were about to throw a scene.

You think that'd scare me?

After all these years on my own, I know how to take care of myself.

Try something, and I'll teach you a lesson!

Listen. Old lady! Old lady!

Old lady!

Young loafer, why don't you stand on your two feet

and make a decent living?

Come back, old lady.

Old lady, you...

Manager wang, come here

come.

What do you want?

Go and talk some sense into that old hag

persuade her,

and I'll give you a bag of flour.

If not, I'll have your tea house smashed up!

Heavenly teacher, let's go!

Manager wang,

I'll be back for your answer this evening.

Suppose I kick the bucket this afternoon?

Then good riddance?!

Pah!

Father.

Who are these people.

Hey. Brother dashuan.

Welcome. Er de zi Jr.

How carefree you are!

Spend your time in our tea house

well. Brother dashuan.

Why the tea house is so quiet.

- Why? - Ah.

No customers.

Brother dashuan, a pot of the very best.

I'm in the money today!

Work it out for me.

Just spent one dollar. Got three left.

No, four left.

Half a dollar each, how many I done in?

You.

Ten.

Ten?

Ten.

Right. Brother dashuan,

here's a couple of dollars.

When I'm broke, I drink your tea free.

When I'm in the money, I pay you. Take'em!

That's a good'UN.

Good enough for two! Take it!

Er de zi Jr., what's your racket?

Silver dollars don't grow on trees!

I'm studying at the university!

University?

The Peking kmt party headquarters sent me

to the institute of law and politics.

What a pushover!

A dream!

Better than mixing with those burns in tianqiao.

Half a dollar for every student I did in.

Feel it. Reinforced concrete!

Imagine that on the students. Smashing, eh?

Er de zi Jr., listen to me.

Beating up people is wrong.

Today I won't beating up anymore students.

I am going to arrest students.

Let's take a walk outside.

Ok.

Why don't you drink tea?

See you next time.

Beating up students is bad?

Who says so?

Look at the Dean of the institute. He teaches kmt party doctrines.

When he gives a lecture first thing he does is to take out his shooter and bang it on the table.

Me, I only use my fists,

not shooters!

Deanindeed!

He's a gangster!

Right! A gangster!

Ah, no, that makes me a gangster too!

Brother dashuan, keep an eye open for my tea.

Old manager, please do not see me off.

I must see you off.

Ah! What has happened?

Insists going.

Please do not.

I must, must.

Manager wang, if you've changed your mind

and want me to stay, I will.

Madame pang won't dare smash up our teahouse.

How do you know?

It doesn't pay to tangle with the "tri-emperor" society.

What really worries me is da li's coming here last night.

If that leaks out,

we're all finished. That's more serious than smashing up the teahouse.

Better you leave, aunt! I'll see you off.

Xi zhi men is closed. Go to de sheng men directly.

Dad, I can see her off, can't I?

All these years aunt has endured

and has done so much for us.

The least we can do is see her off.

Did I say no?

Go ahead, see her off!

Just a minute, aunt.

I'll fetch a coat.

What's up, dad?

Don't ask me any more questions.

Can't think straight. I'm all muddled.

Never been so muddled before.

Daughter-in-law

yeah.

You go with aunt first.

Ok.

I'll tell dashuan to catch you up.

Yes.

Aunl

yes?

If you have any trouble on the way,

you just come back!

Thank you.

And I'll never forget you.

Old manager, I wish you good health yourself!

I will.

Old manager,

I wish you good health yourself!

I will be.

Good health! What's the use?

Please open the door, teacher's wife feng.

Hurry.

Xiao Jin is wounded. Look after him for me.

Thanks teacher's wife feng.

Hurry up and go.

Xiao li. Xi zhi men is guarded tightly.

You can not go through it. Just go to de sheng men.

Ok, we will stay to cover students outside the city.

The strength is iron, more harder than iron.

Dezi

my second brother.

- What are you waiting. - Chase them.

Do not hesitate.

Go and chase them.

Move, move.

Grandpa.

Why are you back from school so early, xiao hua.

Our teachers are on strike!

Dad?

Dad. Goodbye.

Where my dad has gone?

Hey.

Dad? Xiao hua.

Go to backyard and revise your lessons. Ok.

Go now.

Old manager, old manager!

I've something to tell you!

What, miss?

"Pocky" liu Jr.'s up to no good.

He colludes with director shen

and is going to take over your teahouse!

How come?

What would he want with a shabby old place like this?

No time to explain!

They'll be here any moment.

You'd better think of something quick!

Thanks for the tip off.

Old manager,

I just want to help you!

Don't tell on me!

I'm not gaga yet, my girl!

Don't worry!

Dad, what are you doing?

Dad, they've gone.

Who?

Dashun and aunt kang all have gone.

Good.

Very good.

Dashun said you're not to worry.

He'll be back as soon as he's seen her safely there.

That's up to him!

What's the matter, dad?

Why are you so upset?

Oh, nothing, nothing!

Go and see to xiao hua.

I will go.

Wait.

Didn't she want some hot noodles?

Check the flour cylinder.

If there's any flour left,

make her some.

Poor child,

nothing good for her to eat!

There's not a scrap of flour left in the house!

I'll see what I can do

maybe make a bowl of dough drop soup with maize flour.

Manager wang,

what's going on?

Did you persuade her?

This evening.

I promised you an answer this evening.

Old manager.

You were complaining my father never paid you for his tea.

So, in return, here's a piece of advice

which may save your neck.

Listen,

the "tri-emperor" society's even stronger now than under the japs.

Smashing up a teahouse like yours is kidsplay to them.

You'd better watch out.

Oh, I understand alright!

You don't want to get my back up.

Yet at the same time you want to get in your empress' good books?

Sit and drink some water.

You two,

it seems

quite a busy day, eh?

Too damn busy! There's a students' riot!

Oh?

Now you call it a "riot" instead of a "strike".

Sure.

What's happening outside?

They won't get away with it!

We've already beat the daylights out of more than a hundred

and nabbed more than seventy.

Really?

That'll teach them!

You two,

you just call me when you are in need of "tri-emperor".

We will arrive immediately.

Thanks.

Goodbye. You two.

I expect your answer this evening.

You were asking just now, how a "strike" becomes a "riot", weren't you,

manager wang?

Excuse me?

I'm too old to understand newfangled things.

You all belong to the same bunch.

Me? You flatter me!

We got no time to waste on you.

Let's make it snappy.

That means?

There's someone behind the teachers' riot.

Who?

Who came here last night?

Kang da li!

That's the man!

Kang da li works as the communist eighth army in western hills.

Hand him over!

If I'd known he was such a character,

would I

have told you his name?

Well,

I dealt with your fathers

long enough to learn

at least that much, I hope!

Talking about your age won't get you anywhere! Let's get down to brass tacks.

Nice.

Hand him over

or else pay up!

Right?

Oh.

Dad had trained you well!

We'll discuss that money later.

But now we only want the person.

Where can I get the person you mentioned?

Oh. If you do not hand kang da li over to me,

then you have to hand his mother

kang shunzi to me.

You two, come quickly.

What has happened?

All students go to the de sheng men.

The Peking kmt party is heading towards de sheng men.

You little bastard, what are you paid for?

I fuckin' did my best

take a look at my face! It's all swollen.

Come. Hurry up.

Manager, we'll be back in a jiffy. So make up your mind.

No person,

you will be paid off.

You aren't afraid I'll run off?

What?

Giving us some of your lip, you old devil,

are you?

We'll follow you to hell even!

And get you back.

Come.

Dad, we have heard everything!

Hurry up.

Get out of here! Try to catch up with aunt kang!

At once! I'll get my satchel.

Good.

Take some clothes along, xiao hua.

Dad, what will you do all alone?

This place is my teahouse.

I've lived in it.

I'll die in it!

- Dad! - Grandpa!

Don't cry!

Off you go now!

Daughter-in-law

Take the money.

Dad, keep it for yourself.

Listen, just take this.

Xiao hua, xiao hua, come.

Yes. Let me see you the last time.

Icy hands.

And haven't be able to eat one bowl of hot noodles.

Off you go now!

When you get there,

just tell your dad,

as I told you,

I beg him,

never coming back.

Yes.

Off you go now.

Xiao hua.

Say goodbye

to your grandpa.

- Grandpa. - Yes.

Goodbye.

Grandpa.

Bring her and run away now.

Xiao hua, let's go.

Grandpa.

Xiao hua.

Don't behave naughty at your granny's home.

Study your lessons hard.

Ok.

Wonderful news, old man.

Director shen's approved my plan.

Congratulations

congratulations to you too!

The director also approved fixing up the teahouse.

As soon as I suggested it he said "okay".

It's the way he says it.

"Okay!" just like a foreigner!

What's all this about?

Your troubles are over!

You can clear out.

Get this straight now.

I don't want you pestering me later on.

Don't worry!

Pure coincidence

I'm on the point of moving out myself.

Yutai has survived for more than six decades.

Well known around the cities.

How do you think of it?

Huh!

It has a great location.

I plan to serve the tea as always

and spy on people in various trades.

A large amount of information can be acquired.

Good for you.

Xiao liu.

The old manager's been here for ages.

That's no way to treat him.

We'll see. I always play fair.

Now, manager wang,

you tidy it up!

I'm going to fetch the director to look over this place.

Let's go.

Ha! Ha!

Wonderful!

Truly wonderful!

Too wonderful to be true.

What's so wonderful, my old friend?

Who?

Long time no see.

Brother Chang!

Just the man I was wanting to

have a chat with.

Chat?

Yeah.

Chat.

Ah!

Wait.

Yes?

I'll make a pot of the very best tea.

Thank you.

Hey.

Is manager wang here?

Manager wang

youte?

My name's oin.

Qin er ye!

Yes he is.

Er ye. Er ye.

Sit here. We'll...

I was just thinking of telling you, er ye.

At this place,

another great "reform" is about to take place.

Reform?

Sit down! Sit down!

I've got some peanuts here.

Tea and peanuts,

what more fun can you want?

- Fun. - Enjoy it.

Just enjoy it.

Er ye. Er ye.

But who's going to chew them?

At last we manage to get hold of some peanuts

but we've no teeth left to chew them with!

How is your business, er ye.

No one wants to listen to me any more,

so I've come to you.

Well.

I just went to Tianjin

to have a look at my factory.

Confiscated, wasn't it? But they've given it back to its original owner again?

Congratulations!

It's been pulled down!

Pulled down?

Flattened!

Forty years of my sweat is in vain.

Others may not know it but you do, manager wang.

From my twenties

I advocated national salvation through industry.

And now.

When they seized my factory,

I couldn't lift a finger. I was a nobody. No match for them!

Still I hoped they'd run it well.

It could have helped the country to prosper and benefited the people.

Now demolished!

All the machines

sold as scrap!

Where in the world,

in the whole wide world,

can you find a government like this one?

Years ago,

my boarding-house was doing fine.

But you insisted on building your warehouse here.

Then what happened?

The warehouse was sealed up

and all the goods stolen!

Years ago, I warned you

not to sell off all your property.

But you insisted

so you could start your factory!

Remember when?

The time

I gave that young woman selling her daughter two bowls of noodles

and you mocked me.

I've forgotten.

Well, I know better now!

I know it.

Manager wang,

I am.

I want to ask you a favour.

When you've nothing better to do,

you can tell your customers stories about them.

Tell them the joke.

Tell them, once upon a time

there was a foolish man called qin

who was mad on industrialization.

It turns out...

The moral of this story is

if you have money spend it all on wine, women and gambling.

Only enjoy life.

Never try to do anything useful!

Tell them,

this man called qin

didn't understand these simple truths

until he was in his seventies,

because he was a real bloody fool!

Er ye.

At this moment,

I'm going to moving out of here.

Moving?

Where to?

What does that matter?

Qin er ye.

Chang si ye.

Not as great as you.

Qin er ye,

you had a great wealth and ambitions.

But, as they say, it's the tall tree that bears the brunt of the storm.

And you, Chang si ye,

you never gave in,

never feared the consequences,

never accepted injustice to yourself or to others.

I've been an obedient subject all my life...

Meeting everyone,

I bowed and scraped

I only wanted

a good future for my children.

Food and clothes.

To be safe and sound.

Then,

when the japs were here,

my son er shuan zi ran off.

My old missus

died of a broken heart and worry.

Finally,

when the japs left,

we all hoped life would be better.

Who'd have thought

another trouble comes.

I'm no better off than you!

I earned my own living

and for all my life

I worked hard

but where's that got me?

In my seventies,

all I can do is selling peanuts.

One man's life doesn't count.

But what I hoped for

I hoped for

was that our country would become a decent place.

No longer sat on by foreign powers.

But this...

When the japs were here, they called it cooperation.

That was the last I saw of my factory.

When our own government came back,

my factory somehow became traitor's property.

Reform, reform,

that's one thing I never forgot!

Always afraid

I'd lag behind.

When tea wasn't selling well, I started the boarding-house.

When that packed up, I threw in story-telling as a draw

when that didn't work,

I swallowed my pride

to hire a waitress!

One has to live!

I did everything

just so that we could live!

Yes,

I never did anything bad or criminal.

Never did anything bad or criminal.

Who have I hurt? Who?

Empress, "pocky" liu Jr.,

and director shen

all those bastards

are having the time of their lives.

Why am I singled out to starve?

Whose bloody idea is this?

All I hoped for

is that everyone would be fair

ah!

And no one bullied.

But I saw with my own eyes

how my friends,

one by one,

starved to death

or were killed off.

I wanted to weep, but no tears came!

Song er ye,

how honest my friend is,

starved to death!

I had to go and beg alms

to get a coffin for him.

He was lucky to have a friend like me

who could get him a rough coffin made of thin planks.

What'll happen to me when my time comes?

I love our country,

but who loves me?

Whenever I see a funeral,

I try to pick up some of this paper money.

I won't even have a coffin.

I won't have any burial clothes.

All I can do is to save some paper money for myself.

Si ye.

Let's offer some sacrifice to ourselves.

Throw the paper money in the air.

Something special for us three old fogeys?!

Right.

Chang si brother.

Let us

behave in the old days

chanting it like in.

- Ok! - Let's chant.

Let's chant.

Chant

right!

Chant

pall-bearers at the four corners,

from the family, a reward of one hundred and twenty strings of cash!

One hundred and twenty strings of cash!

No need to say any more.

Goodbye!

Goodbye...

Goodbye! Manager wang.

Manager wang. Manager wang.